South Coast Air Quality Management District

Authorize Purchase of Eight Vehicles for AQMD Field Staff

SYNOPSIS: 

Based on current fleet compatibility and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles, staff recommends purchasing seven new 2001 Toyota Camry dedicated CNG vehicles to accommodate seven new field positions authorized for industrial compliance and area sources, and one 2001 Ford F150 CNG/gasoline pickup truck to support area sources’ Open Burn program. Subvention funds appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the FY 2000-01 Budget will be used for purchases. The 2001 Toyota Camry dedicated CNG model is available only from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., fleet sales division at $24,986 per vehicle, including sales tax. The 2001 Ford F150 CNG/gasoline pickup truck is available at $25,962, including sales tax, from Senator Ford.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Authorize the purchase of seven 2001 Toyota Camry dedicated CNG vehicles and authorize the Procurement Manager to execute all documents for this purchase at an amount not to exceed $174,902.
   
   
2. Authorize the purchase of one 2001 Ford F150 CNG/gasoline pickup truck and authorize the Procurement Manager to execute all documents for this purchase at an amount not to exceed $25,962.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In February 2001, the Board appropriated subvention funds from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the FY 2000-01 Budget to support compliance activities in the industrial and area source programs. Five new field positions were authorized to enhance sector coverage and support focused compliance efforts in the industrial program, and two new field positions were authorized to enhance program effectiveness in area sources. At the same time, funds were authorized to purchase five new passenger vehicles for industrial field staff, two new passenger vehicles for area sources staff, and one new pickup truck to support Open Burn program activities in area sources.

As these vehicle purchases were approved by the full Board on February 16, 2001, in an action to receive and appropriate subvention funds into AQMD’s FY 2000-01 Budget, this item did not go to committee this month.

Dedicated CNG Vehicles for New Staff in Industrial Compliance and Area Sources

In keeping with AQMD’s commitment to the use of alternative-fuel vehicles, the Board authorized the purchase of 57 dedicated CNG Toyota Camry vehicles in FY 2000-01 to replace high-mileage vehicles in its aging fleet. Staff recommended these dedicated CNG vehicles due to the availability of an on-site CNG fueling facility at AQMD headquarters and the network of CNG fueling facilities within the South Coast Basin. The further recommendation to purchase current-year dedicated CNG Toyota Camry model was specifically based on:

ü Staff review of appropriately sized dedicated CNG vehicle models available through the State of California Multiple Award Schedule and through local dealerships

Cost ($24,986 per vehicle, including sales tax)

Cargo capacity

Driving range

Fuel economy

Ease of handling during test drives

Current availability

Based on these criteria, and for reasons of compatibility with the current fleet, staff recommends the purchase of seven additional 2001 Toyota Camry dedicated CNG vehicles for field inspection staff in industrial compliance and area sources.

The 2001Toyota Camry dedicated CNG model is available only from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., fleet sales division. Seven dedicated CNG Toyota Camrys are still available to be purchased from remaining current model year supplies.

CNG/Gasoline Pickup Truck for Open Burn Activities in Area Sources

Open Burn staff conduct field inspections to verify that applicants are qualified to receive agricultural burn permits. The inspection confirms the purpose for the burn, the quantity and type of materials to be burned, as well as the qualifying factors for approval. In addition, the surrounding area is surveyed to prevent possible public nuisance situations. Many of these inspections are conducted in remote areas. Given the local terrain in open burn areas, staff recommends the purchase of a 4-wheel drive pickup truck to meet program needs.

Urgent Need to Purchase Vehicles Before May 23, 2001

The existing purchase agreement with Senator Ford through the State of California Multiple Award Schedule expires May 23, 2001. In addition, Toyota Motor Sales is finalizing their plan for uncommitted vehicles by mid-May and has extended their offer to meet AQMD vehicle needs only until that time. To take advantage of vehicle availability, staff recommends Board approval of this action on May 11, 2001.

Proposal

This action is to authorize the Procurement Manager to:

On or before May 23, 2001, execute a purchase order with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. for seven 2001 Toyota Camry dedicated CNG vehicles. Total cost for these vehicles, based on current price quotes, is $174,902.

On or before May 23, 2001, execute a purchase order with Senator Ford for one 2001 Ford F150 CNG/gasoline vehicle at a total cost, based on current price quotes, of $25,962.

Resource Impacts

Included in the FY 2000-01 Budget is the sum of $174,902 for vehicles for seven new field positions and an additional $25,962 for one new pickup truck.

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